I was back over there last night checking for any possible small leak. The filter is running at 14psi the same psi it was when we first started the pool. The pump runs fine until the smallest bit of air is introduced via the skimmer. Then the pump runs dry the pressure goes to 0 and I shut it off. I filled the hose on the vaccum with water and just the small amount of air that went into the system when I connected the hose was enough to take the water from the pump.

They do have the pump about 8 feet away from the pool and have a 10' hose. I'm wondering if that is part of the problem.